Final Results - Part 1

Alpha Pyrenees Trust Limited 18 March 2008 18 March 2008 ALPHA PYRENEES TRUST LIMITED ('ALPHA PYRENEES TRUST'; OR THE 'TRUST') ALPHA PYRENEES TRUST POSTS RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2007: NET ADJUSTED PROFIT AFTER INTEREST AND TAX UP 78% TO £8.0 MILLION (6.3p per share) NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE (ADJUSTED) UP 9.3% TO 100.1p DIVIDEND EXPECTED TO RISE BY 17% TO 7p FOR 2008, PAID QUARTERLY STRONG BALANCE SHEET WITH NET GEARING OF UNDER 60% Alpha Pyrenees Trust Limited, the property company investing in commercial real estate in France and Spain, today posts its results covering the year from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2007. The Trust announced an adjusted profit after interest and tax of £8 million and a further dividend of 1.5p per share in respect of its fourth quarter, making a total of 6p per share for the year to 31 December 2007. It is the Board's current intention to further increase the dividend by 17% to 7p per share in respect of the year to 31 December 2008 payable quarterly. Highlights of the period to 31 December 2007 include: • Dividend up 20% to 6p per share • EPS (adjusted) up 70% to 6.3p per share • NAV (adjusted) up 9.3% to 100.1p per share compared to 31 December 2006 • Portfolio yielding 7.0% on current valuation • 80% of portfolio income comes from Grade A tenants • Leases are subject to annual indexation • Total borrowings of £180m and a portfolio value of £274m (66% overall loan to value). • Net gearing (after cash) is under 60% • All debt fixed at weighted average interest rate of 5.2% p.a. to maturities between 2013 (9% of debt) and 2015 (91%) Dick Kingston, Chairman of Alpha Pyrenees Trust, commented: 'The Board intends to pay a further dividend of 1.5p per share making a total dividend of 6p per share for the period to 31 December 2007. It is also the current intention of the Board to pay a dividend of 7p per share in respect of the year to 31 December 2008 which will be payable quarterly. In the light of the current uncertainty in the banking markets, the Trust has adopted a more defensive financial position and the Trust's overall net gearing (taking into account cash) is currently under 60%. This leaves the Trust well positioned to take advantage of value-enhancing opportunities as they arise.' Paul Cable, Fund Manager, Alpha Real Capital, commented: 'The Trust owns a diversified portfolio of quality-tenanted properties in France and Spain totaling £274 million (€372 million) which yields 7%. All the Trust's leases are subject to annual indexation and continue to show healthy levels of rental increase. There are a number of asset management opportunities to further enhance rental income and the Trust has the resources to take advantage of these opportunities.' Contact: Dick Kingston Chairman, Alpha Pyrenees Trust 01481 735540 Paul Cable Fund Manager, Alpha Real Capital 020 7591 1635 Neither this announcement nor any copy of it may be taken or distributed into the United States of America or distributed or published, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of US securities law. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 'Securities Act'), and may not be offered or sold in the United States to or for the benefit of US persons unless they are registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an available exemption there from. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. The distribution of this announcement and information contained herein may be restricted by law in other jurisdictions and therefore persons into whose possession this announcement or information contained herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. NOTES: ABOUT ALPHA PYRENEES TRUST The Trust is a Guernsey registered closed-ended investment company investing in French and Spanish commercial real estate. Investment Strategy The Trust's strategy is to invest in a diversified portfolio of properties in France and Spain, focusing on commercial property in the office, industrial, logistics, and retail sectors. Alpha Real Capital believes that there will be capital growth opportunities in the portfolio through income growth and active asset management. For more information on Alpha Pyrenees please visit www.alphapyreneestrust.com Directors The Directors of the Company, all of whom are non-executive, are responsible for the implementation of the investment policy of the Company and the overall supervision of the Group's activities. The Board consists of: Dick Kingston (Chairman) Christopher Bennett David Jeffreys Phillip Rose Serena Tremlett Dick Kingston was an executive director of Slough Estates Plc (now SEGRO Plc), one of the largest London Stock Exchange listed property companies. He was responsible for Group Finance at Slough Estates Plc for nine years, and chairman of their continental European real estate activities. He was a non-executive director of Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. ABOUT ALPHA REAL CAPITAL Alpha Real Capital is a co-investing international real estate fund manager with operations in the French and Spanish real estate markets. Alpha Real Capital was established by Sir John Beckwith and Phillip Rose and is jointly owned by them, members of the Alpha management team and Michael Spencer. Alpha Real Capital is the Investment Manager to Alpha Pyrenees Trust. Alpha Real Capital's European Funds Director, Paul Cable, is Fund Manager, Alpha Pyrenees Trust. For more information on Alpha Real Capital please visit www.alpharealcapital.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alpha Pyrenees Trust Limited Results for the year ended 31 December 2007 Trust summary and objective Objective Alpha Pyrenees Trust Limited ('the Trust' or 'the Company' or 'Alpha Pyrenees') typically invests in commercial property in France and Spain with inflation-indexed rents that will provide an income return to investors as well as the potential for capital growth. Dividends Dividends are paid quarterly and the Company's objective is to pay a total of 7 pence per share each year from 2008 onwards. Listing The Trust is a closed-ended Guernsey registered investment company. Its shares are listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and traded on the London Stock Exchange. Management The Trust's Investment Manager is Alpha Real Capital LLP ('the Investment Manager'). Control of the Trust rests with the non-executive Guernsey-based Board of Directors. ISA/PEP/SIPP status The Trust's shares are eligible for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), Personal Equity Plans (PEPs) and Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). Financial highlights Year ending Half year ending Period 15 November 2005 to 31 December 31 December 2007 30 June 2007 2006 Net asset value (adjusted) (£'000)* 127,085 124,680 116,750 Net asset value per ordinary share 100.1p 97.8p 91.6p (adjusted)* Net asset value per ordinary share 97.1p 95.1p 90.3p Dividend per share (proposed and paid) 6.0p 3.0p 5.0p Earnings per share (adjusted - 6.3p 2.5p 3.7p basic & diluted)** Earnings per share (basic & diluted) 4.7p 7.4p (1.7p) * The net asset value and net asset value per ordinary share have been adjusted for the fair value mark-to-market revaluation of the currency swap and interest rate swap derivatives and the deferred tax provisions; full analysis is given in note 11 to the accounts. ** The adjusted earnings per share includes adjustments for the effect of the fair value mark-to-market revaluation of the currency swap and interest rate swap derivatives and the deferred tax provisions and rental guarantee income; full analysis is given in note 10 to the accounts. Chairman's Statement Objectives The Trust invests in higher-yielding properties in France and Spain, focusing on commercial property in the office, industrial, logistics, and retail sectors. Alpha Real Capital LLP is the Investment Manager to the Trust. The Trust seeks to provide shareholders with a regular, secure dividend stream whilst also having the potential for capital growth from a combination of rent increases (our leases are typically indexed to increase in line with inflation) and active asset management. The Trust seeks to diversify risk by investing in a geographic spread of properties across different property sectors with a variety of tenants. Investment activity The Board is pleased with the substantial progress the Trust has made to date. With recent acquisitions the portfolio has grown to approximately 260,000 square metres (approximately 2.77 million square feet) as shown in the table below. Further details of these acquisitions are provided in the Property Review and the individual property profiles. The total cost of the portfolio to date is approximately £268 million (€364 million) including all acquisition costs and the valuation of these assets is currently approximately £274 million (€372 million). The annualised rent roll of £19 million per annum (€26 million per annum) provides the Trust with an average yield of 7.0% at current valuation. Many of the tenants in the Trust's properties are well known companies belonging to groups with strong covenants such as Credit Lyonnais, Alcatel-Lucent, Carrefour, Aldi, GlaxoSmithKline, La Poste, MediaMarkt, Saint Gobain, BNP Paribas, Konica Minolta, UPS, and Vinci Group. Prime tenants also include government or quasi-government bodies and together the rent from such tenants accounts for 80% of the Trust's income. Results and dividend Results for the period show an adjusted profit after interest and tax of £8 million (note 10). The adjusted EPS is 6.3 pence per share (note 10), an increase of 70% on the prior period reflecting the progress made in acquiring properties on attractive yields. Against the background of the acquisitions made to date, the Board intends to pay a dividend of 1.5p per share in respect of its fourth quarter (1 October to 31 December 2007) giving a total dividend of 6p per share in respect of the year to 31 December 2007. This dividend will be payable to the shareholders on the register as of 26 March 2008 and will be paid on 21 April 2008. The Group has borrowed a further £88 million (€120 million) during the year bringing total bank debt to £180 million (€244 million) against the current value of mortgaged properties of £259 million (€352 million). The overall net gearing (taking into account cash) is under 60%. It is the Board's current intention to pay a dividend of 7 pence in respect of the year to 31 December 2008. Revaluation and Net Asset Value Investment properties held at 31 December 2007 are shown in the balance sheet at an independent valuation of £272 million (€369 million). Development property of £2 million (€3 million) is shown at cost. The adjusted net asset value per ordinary share is up to 100.1p (note 11); this compares to 91.6p as at 31 December 2006, an increase of 8.5p for the year or 9.3%. This demonstrates the relative strength of the French market and the quality of the Trust's portfolio. Portfolio Summary Country Property Sqm Description Valuation £m Valuation €m France Villarceaux-Nozay 77,180 Business park 104.6 142.0 France Aubervilliers 8,750 Offices 19.5 26.4 France Goussainville 20,500 Warehouse and offices 16.7 22.7 France St Cyr L'Ecole 6,340 Offices 13.2 17.9 France Champs sur Marne 5,930 Offices 13.6 18.5 France Athis Mons 23,280 Logistics with 10.5 14.3 offices France Aubergenville 27,700 Logistics 9.9 13.4 France Evreux 14,130 Logistics with 9.0 12.2 offices France Mulhouse* 5,250 Offices 8.1 11.0 France Gennevilliers 3,330 Offices with light 8.1 11.0 industrial France Roissy-en-France 7,800 Offices and warehouse 7.5 10.2 France Nimes 3,100 Offices and retail 6.5 8.8 France Ivry-sur-Seine 7,420 Warehouse and offices 6.1 8.3 France Vitry-sur-Seine 5,180 Warehouse and offices 4.6 6.3 France Fresnes 6,540 Warehouse and offices 4.9 6.7 Spain Cordoba 16,880 Retail park 16.9 22.9 Spain Zaragoza 9,520 Warehouses 5.7 7.8 Spain Ecija 5,950 Shopping centre 4.7 6.4 Spain Alcala de Guadaira 5,700 Shopping centre 4.1 5.5 Total 260,480 274.2 372.3 * Part of the Mulhouse property represents a development of a new office building which is expected to be completed in July 2008; the table above includes this development property at cost. Finance In the light of the current uncertainty in the banking markets, the Trust has adopted a more conservative policy and the portfolio benefits from a 66% loan to value ; the overall net gearing (taking into account cash) is under 60%. The Trust continues to place great emphasis on the safety of its financing with all interest rates having been fixed on all borrowings, and a robust safety margin is being maintained with regard to bank loan covenants. As noted above, the Trust has total borrowings of £180 million (€244 million) as at 31 December 2007 under its facilities with Barclays Bank plc and all loans are secured on its properties. Interest rates on all borrowings have been fixed to February 2015 (February 2013 for Spanish borrowings) at a weighted average rate of 5.2%. The key financing covenants are that the loan to value of mortgaged property does not exceed 87.5% (85% in relation to the Alcatel property) and that the interest cover ratio does not fall below 110%; the next loan to value testing date is December 2011 for the French facility (annually for the Alcatel property) and February 2010 for the Spanish facility. The Trust is comfortably performing against these requirements and is well within its loan covenant ratios. Currency hedge instruments are in place that significantly protect the conversion of the shareholders' original equity back to Sterling together with the anticipated dividend on that equity. The hedges total €163 million and were fixed at an average rate of €1.49 to the pound. Share Buy Back The Trust commenced a share buy back programme of its ordinary shares on 20 December 2007 and completed this programme on 17 January 2008. The total cost of the 10 million ordinary shares purchased was £8.2 million and these shares have been cancelled. During the reporting period the Trust acquired 500,000 shares with the remainder being purchased in January 2008. The number of shares repurchased represented 7.8% of the issued share capital prior to the commencement of the programme. Market outlook The Trust continues to see attractive opportunities for investing, particularly in the French property market where conditions remain favourable with strong tenant demand, low vacancy rates and continuing signs of rental growth. Uncertainty in financial markets has led to an investor preference for a more cautious approach to gearing by property companies. In response to the continuing uncertainty in financial markets, the Trust has adopted a more defensive financial position and its net gearing is currently below 60%. This leaves the Trust well positioned to take advantage of value enhancing opportunities that may arise. Summary • The Trust is well positioned to deliver a strong flow of cash dividends to its investors from its high-yielding, quality-tenanted property portfolio: • The Trust owns a diversified freehold portfolio of properties totalling £274 million (€372 million) which yields 7.0%. • All the Trust's leases are subject to annual index-linked rent reviews which continue to show healthy levels of increase. The Trust's property markets continue to enjoy low vacancy and rising rents. • Over 80% of the Trust's rental income comes from grade A tenants with an excellent capacity to pay. • The Trust's average lease length is over 4.6 years. • All debt fixed at weighted average interest of 5.2% p.a. to maturities between 2013 (9% of debt) and 2015 (91%). • Net gearing is below 60% and the Trust has robust loan to value covenants at 85% or higher. The Board accordingly confirms it is its intention to pay a dividend of 7 pence in respect of the current year to 31 December 2008. Dick Kingston Chairman 17 March 2008 Property review Investment highlights The Trust has completed nineteen acquisitions to date in France and Spain involving a cost of approximately £268 million (€364 million) including acquisition costs. The valuation of this portfolio as at 31 December 2007 showed a total of approximately £274 million (€372 million) demonstrating that all acquisition costs have been more than absorbed through increases in value. Of particular note in this regard, the properties that were purchased at Roissy en France and Goussainville were acquired at a total cost of approximately £21.4 million (€29 million) and valued soon after at year end at £24.2 million (€32.9 million). The Trust's portfolio produced an average yield on current valuation of 7.0% on an annualised income of approximately £19 million (€26 million) per annum as at 31 December 2007. Of the total portfolio 63% by value was the subject of indexation as at 1 January 2008. An average 5% increase was implemented on those leases. This increased the annualised income to £19.7 million (€26.75 million) and produces an average yield on current valuation of 7.2%. This excludes the estimated rental value of vacancy that is not covered by guarantee which is approximately £663,227 (€900,000) per annum. The Trust now owns approximately 260,000 square metres (approximately 2.77 million square feet) of commercial real estate and has continued its investment policy of identifying properties that are well let, well located and offer good value. The average value of the portfolio to date is approximately £1,050 (€1,430) per square metre (equivalent to £98 per square foot) and the average rent is £76 (€103) per square metre per annum (equivalent to £7 per square foot) and this is for a portfolio that has 64% exposure to the French office and business park sector. The reinstatement cost of these buildings has been assessed at £198.2 million (€269 million) representing 72% of current value. Of the total property portfolio, 89% is invested in France and 11% in Spain in terms of capital value. The Trust has achieved diversification across the sectors with 64% in offices and business park property, 27% in warehouses and 9% in retail. The Trust has a significant geographical diversification with assets in Paris (Ile-de-France), Normandy, Nimes, Mulhouse, Seville, Cordoba and Zaragoza. The portfolio benefits from strong credit tenants with 80% of its stabilised rent roll secured by leases to Grade A tenants (large international/national companies or public sector). The portfolio also enjoys high levels of occupancy with rental income comprising 93% of the potential total income and income from rental guarantees in excess of twelve months' duration comprising 4% of the potential total income. As at 31 December 2007 the weighted average lease length of the portfolio is 4.6 years. Portfolio review As reported in the Interim Report for the period to 30 June 2007 the Trust had completed the acquisition of fifteen properties and agreed the acquisition of two properties for a total cost of approximately £246.9 million (€335 million). Since that date the Trust has completed the acquisitions of the two properties at Mulhouse and Aubervilliers, and acquired a further two properties for a combined cost of approximately £21.4 million (€29 million) and has increased its exposure to warehouses in the Ile-de-France. On 5 July 2007 the Trust completed the acquisition of the modern office building in Mulhouse, in the Alsace region of Eastern France. Mulhouse is close to the German and Swiss borders, approximately 115 kilometres to the south of Strasbourg. The property is located within a development zone about half a kilometre south east of the city centre and close to transportation links. The acquisition price was approximately £8.9 million (€12.1 million) for the 5,250 square metre building in two phases and tenants include BNP Paribas and Societe d'Equipement de la Region Mulhousienne (the local development agency) on leases expiring in 2014. The investment will provide a yield of 7%. On 21 September 2007 Alpha Pyrenees completed the acquisition of the modern office building in Aubervilliers, Ile-de-France. The property is located in the 'Seine-Saint-Denis' department which adjoins Paris and is situated to the south of Aubervilliers in an urban development zone comprising residential, offices, light industrial and retail space. Transportation links are good with road access via the A86 motorway and the boulevard Peripherique linking Paris to Aubervilliers. The acquisition price was approximately £19.2 million (€26 million) for the 8,750 square metre building which is fully income producing with 72% of the income coming from international metal distribution company Klockner Distribution Industrielle (KDI) on an indexed lease until December 2013 without a break. KDI is a subsidiary of Klockner & Co AG which is represented in fourteen countries worldwide and generated sales of £4.1 billion (€5.5 billion) in 2006 The investment provides an initial yield of 7%. On 14 December 2007 the Trust completed the acquisition of two mixed use properties totalling 28,300 square metres in Roissy en France and Goussainville, in the 'Val d'Oise' department, Ile-de-France. The Roissy en France property is situated within the Paris Nord II area. This area incorporates campus style offices, light industrial and a shopping centre. Communications are very good with road access via the A1 motorway which links Paris to Lille and serves Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport situated 5km away. Roissy-Charles de Gaulle is France's main international airport and was Europe's number one airport in terms of cargo traffic in 2006. The acquisition price was £7.3 million (€9.9 million) and the property totals an area of approximately 7,800 square metres comprising offices, warehousing and logistics with good car parking facilities. The property is let to Konica Minolta (38% of income) on an indexed lease expiring in December 2011 and pharmaceutical distributor, OCP (62% of income) on an indexed lease expiring in June 2014. The Goussainville property is situated in the Parc GIP Charles de Gaulle area. This area incorporates offices, retail and warehouses. There are good communications with road access via the RN17 which links to the A1 and A104 motorways linking Paris and Lille and serving Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport situated 10km away. The acquisition price was £12.5 million (€17 million) and the property totals an area of approximately 20,500 square metres comprising offices and warehousing with good external and internal car parking facilities. The property is 76% let on indexed leases and four major tenants, Maintenance part (subsidiary of UPS), Tekelec Temex, Alpheios and Oakley Europe account for two thirds of the current income. The property has approximately 27% of the total area vacant and includes an undeveloped site and therefore offers the opportunity to considerably increase income through active asset management, as discussed further in the asset management section below. These two investments provide an initial yield of 7.1% on current income with the prospect of enhanced income returns once the vacant space at Goussainville has been let. Asset management continues to be a key focus and we set out below a case study for the Alcatel-Lucent sale and leaseback transaction demonstrating what has been achieved over the last twelve months. Alcatel-Lucent, Villarceaux-Nozay - Case Study In December 2006 the Trust acquired from Alcatel-Lucent a site totalling 36 hectares housing business park space containing campus style offices together with research and development space, ancillary accommodation and car parking. The acquisition was made in partnership with IPGL who took a 23% interest. This interest was acquired from IPGL on 15 February 2007 and the site became wholly owned by the Trust. The acquisition price paid to Alcatel-Lucent was £91.7 million (€124.5 million) payable as €110.5 million in December 2006 and £10.3 million (€14 million) deferred consideration on completion of building works. Alcatel-Lucent signed a lease for 12 years with a fixed period of 9 years at an initial rent of approximately £6.3 million (€8.5 million) per annum rising to £7.1 million (€9.6 million) per annum on the earlier of the completion of the new buildings or 1 January 2008. Upon acquisition the property produced a rental yield of 7.3% on cost and the rent is subject to annual indexation. The Trust partnered with Alcatel-Lucent in the creation of additional accommodation which would allow an increase in the personnel on site from 1,500 to over 3,000 at completion thereby creating one of Alcatel-Lucent's principal business centres worldwide providing some 77,180 sqm of accommodation together with over 2000 car parking spaces. To achieve this a major redevelopment of the site was undertaken over a twelve month period consisting of the following: • Renovation and restructuring of 28,000 sqm of existing space principally in the Copernic and Newton buildings to create offices and laboratories involving a total investment of £13.3 million (€18 million). This work was completed on programme and the properties were handed over to Alcatel-Lucent on 27 June 2007. • A further £13.3 million (€18 million) of new construction work was also undertaken consisting of: o Huygens building: 7,600 sqm of office space o New restaurant facility for the entire business park o New Security Lodge o Installation of a new access control system o Renovation of existing parking areas and the creation of additional parking areas. The cost of completion of the construction works was covered by bank guarantees and the deferred payment and the new buildings were completed on programme and handed over to Alcatel-Lucent on 20 November 2007. At this time the deferred consideration was paid to Alcatel-Lucent and the revised rent became payable. The rent was indexed as from 1 January 2008 and now stands at £7.4 million (€10 million) per annum representing a 5% increase and the property was valued at 31 December 2007 at £104.6 million (€142 million), an increase of £12.9 million (€17.5 million) over acquisition price. Asset management initiatives Other asset management initiatives during 2007 included: At Evreux, the tenant GlaxoSmithKline has increased its commitment to the property through substantial investment in creating a new 'stock picking' system over ground and mezzanine levels. To improve management efficiency a number of service contracts have been devolved to be managed directly by the tenant at their request and this reflects our close working relationship with the tenants. At Champs sur Marne the principal tenant, Credit Lyonnais, has increased its commitment to the property by investing in separating out some of the building's M&E services at their own expense during 2007. At Ivry-sur-Seine, the remaining vacant space was leased to Distripaq for expansion of their existing operations and they now occupy a total of 1,630 sqm. We are currently investigating the installation of additional car parking spaces on an under-utilised area of the site. Such spaces will increase the rental income. At Nimes the extension and modification works to the staff restaurant have been completed and the Conseil General du Gard is now paying an additional rent to reflect these works. At Mulhouse, development of the 1,915 square metre Phase II office building has reached roof level with all windows and doors installed and is on programme for completion in July 2008. This space is covered by a two year rent guarantee from completion and marketing of the space is being actively pursued. The Goussainville property is the Trust's most recent purchase and offers a number of opportunities for active asset management. - The 20,500 sqm mixed warehouse and office complex is currently being re-branded as 'alpha Park' to refresh the marketing of the vacant space. - 50% of the vacant space should be readily relettable, increasing the yield on cost to around 8%. The space is being actively marketed and initial discussions are underway with interested parties. - The remaining vacant space, comprising pure office units and a mixed unit will also be leased up over time, further improving the yield. - In addition there is an undeveloped site adjoining the property in the Trust's ownership and we are in discussions with the local authority regarding the development rights where a turnkey development project could be undertaken. As reported at the Interim, at Connecta Retail Park in Cordoba the 4,550 square metre MediaMarkt anchor store is trading strongly and is a major influence on the number of visitors and the sales performance of the park. The influence of this store is demonstrated by the current works being undertaken to improve the entrance and exit to the park from the main road and to implement a new circulation system in the car park to improve access and traffic flow at peak times. The 1,030 square metres Hogaria store opened in August 2007 and VisionLab opened their 200 square metre unit in September 2007. Strong attention continues to be given to ensuring service charges are spent effectively, the annual level of property costs is controlled and additional sources of income are identified. Market overview France The current news on the French economy remains broadly encouraging. The national measure of industrial confidence remains consistent with solid industrial production growth and the average annual growth rate in consumer spending on manufactured goods has remained strong and broadly in line with the average rates witnessed throughout 2007. In line with other major euro-zone economies there are signs of a growth in inflation. The Budget for 2008 included tax cuts amounting to €9 billion which are expected to boost the economy. Despite pressure from other major euro-zone countries on France to reduce government expenditure and bring their finances into balance, government policy is likely to remain supportive and this is likely to help the French economy to outgrow many of its neighbours this year. GDP growth is forecast to grow at 2% for 2008 (1.9% in 2007). Nearly 90% of the Trust's portfolio is in France and 58 % is in Ile de France offices and business park space. Paris remains one of Europe's most dynamic office markets. Annual take up of 2.7 million square metres was recorded in the Paris Ile de France office market during 2007. While this is slightly lower than the record figure in 2006 (2.9 million square metres) this is still one of the highest totals ever recorded. Take-up in the fourth quarter was 675,000 square metres which shows no significant slowing in activity despite the increase in economic uncertainty resulting from turmoil in the banking markets. The Ile de France market continues to be a solid market with a strong level of demand from small and medium sized occupiers and a positive net absorption estimated to be 530,000 square metres in 2007. This strength is expected to help letting activity remain high in 2008 with forecasts of between 2.4 million and 2.6 million square metres. The vacancy rate in the Paris region remains low at 4.9%. The French industrial market is one of the most mature in Europe and France's position between the Iberian peninsula and the rest of continental Europe and as a gateway to the United Kingdom means that it is a strategic location for pan-European as well as domestic distribution. Currently the Paris region is one of the most significant logistics hubs with nearly a third of all logistics stock in France. Occupier demand is likely to remain strong and combined with a balanced supply is likely to put some upward pressure on rents. Spain The Spanish economy ended 2007 on a high note recording a 0.8% increase in GDP over the final quarter and an increase of 3.5% over the year, well ahead of other major euro-zone economies. However, the outlook for the Spanish economy is more uncertain with household spending, annual investment spending and construction investment growth all decreasing towards the end of 2007. Against this government spending growth remained healthy and net trade made a contribution to growth. GDP growth is anticipated to slow to 1.8% in 2008. Retailers benefited from strong consumer demand overall during 2007. This may moderate over the coming year but the retail warehouse sector continues to expand due to its popularity with consumers and retailers alike resulting from lower cost accommodation and the accessibility of these parks. Zaragoza, to the west of Barcelona, is emerging as a key centre for logistics activity, due to excellent communications and direct connections to the central region and elsewhere. Demand remains buoyant and with controlled supply, rents in the Spanish warehouse market should experience further rental growth. Outlook The current turmoil in the banking markets has introduced a greater degree of uncertainty with regard to investment markets generally. Despite this and general increases in banking margins, finance remains available at attractive long term fixed interest rates as swap rates have decreased from their high in mid 2007. The Trust has adopted a prudent policy towards lower levels of borrowing within the portfolio at present and has the resources to take advantage of value enhancing opportunities as they arise. Paul Cable For and on behalf of the Investment Manager 17 March 2007 Directors Dick Kingston (aged 60) Chairman Dick Kingston was, until December 2006, an executive director of Slough Estates Plc (now SEGRO Plc), one of the largest London Stock Exchange listed property companies. He was chairman of their continental European real estate activities and previously was responsible for Group Finance for nine years. He was a non-executive director of Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Christopher Bennett (aged 42) Director Christopher Bennett is Managing Director of Dominion Real Estate Limited, a Jersey based fund administration business and is a Chartered Surveyor. Previously he held senior positions in real estate finance with Royal Bank of Scotland International and Mutual Finance Limited. David Jeffreys (aged 48) Director David Jeffreys qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte Haskins and Sells. He was Managing Director of Abacus Fund Managers (Guernsey) Limited between 1993 and 2004. Currently he carries out a number of consultancy assignments as well as being a director of a number of investment funds. Phillip Rose (aged 48) Director Phillip Rose has 25 years experience in the real estate, funds management and banking industries in Europe, the USA and Australasia. He has been the Head of Real Estate for ABN AMRO Bank, Chief Operating Officer of European shopping centre investor and developer TrizecHahn Europe, Managing Director of Lend Lease Global Investment and Executive Manager of listed fund General Property Trust. Phillip is currently CEO of Alpha Real Capital LLP, a non executive director of Great Portland Estates Plc and a member of the Management Committee of the Hermes Property Unit Trust. Serena Tremlett (aged 43) Director Serena Tremlett is company secretary of Assura Group Limited, a company listed on the London Stock Exchange investing in primary healthcare property, pharmacy and related medical businesses. She was previously the Head of Guernsey Property Funds at Mourant Guernsey Limited where she sat on the board of a number of property and other investment funds. Directors' report The Directors present their report and financial statements of the Company and the Group for the year ended 31 December 2007. Status The Company was founded on 29 November 2005. Its shares are listed on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority and are traded on the London Stock Exchange. On 13 February 2007 the company reclassified its listing on the Official List from that of a property investment company listed under Chapter 15 of the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority ('UKLA') to that of an overseas company listed under Chapter 14 of the UKLA Listing Rules. Shareholders approved the re-classification at an Extraordinary General meeting held on 5 February 2007. The company is a closed-ended Guernsey registered investment company. Principal activities During the year the Company carried on business as a property investment company, investing in commercial property in France and Spain. Business review A review of the business during the year is contained in the Chairman's statement. Results and dividend The results for the year are set out in the financial statements. The Company has declared and paid interim dividends of 3 pence per share for the half year ended 30 June 2007 and has paid a further 1.5 pence per share in January 2008 for the quarter ended 30 September 2007. The Company proposes to declare a dividend of 1.5 pence per share in respect of the final quarter of the year (payable 21 April 2008). This brings the total dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 2007 to 6 pence per share (2006: 5 pence per share) Directors The directors, all of whom were non-executive, who served during the year, are detailed below: Appointed Dick Kingston - Chairman 16 Nov 2005 Christopher Bennett 16 Nov 2005 David Jeffreys 16 Nov 2005 Phillip Rose 16 Nov 2005 Serena Tremlett 16 Nov 2005 At each annual general meeting of the Company, one third by number of the directors shall retire from office in accordance with the Articles of Association. By virtue of his position as CEO of the Investment Manager, Phillip Rose in his capacity as a Director is subject to annual re-election by the Shareholders. A retiring director shall be eligible for reappointment. No director shall be required to vacate his office at any time by reason of the fact that he has attained any specific age. The biographies of the Directors are detailed above. The Board considers that there is a balance of skills and experience within the Board and each of the Directors contributes effectively. Directors' interests The following Directors had interests in the shares of the Company at 31 December: Number of ordinary shares Number of ordinary shares 2007 2006 Dick Kingston 5,000 5,000 Christopher Bennett - - David Jeffreys 5,000 5,000 Phillip Rose 375,000 250,000 Serena Tremlett 5,000 5,000 There have been no changes in the Directors' interests since the year end. Directors' remuneration During the year the directors received the following emoluments in the form of fees from Group companies: Year ending 15 November 2005 to 31 December 2007 31 December 2006 £ £ Dick Kingston 30,000 33,780 Christopher Bennett 20,000 22,520 David Jeffreys 20,000 22,520 Phillip Rose 20,000 22,520 Serena Tremlett 20,000 25,407 Total 110,000 126,747 The company's Articles of Association limit the aggregate fees payable to the Directors at £200,000 per annum. Directors' and officers' liability insurance cover is in place in respect of the Directors. There are no service contracts in existence between the Company and any Directors, but each of the Directors was appointed by a letter of appointment which sets out the main terms of his appointment. Substantial shareholding Shareholders with holdings of more than 3 per cent of the issued ordinary shares of the Company as at 10 March 2008 were as follows: Name of investor No. of ordinary % held shares INVESCO Asset Management Limited 22,795,790 19.4% Antler Property Corporation plc 7,000,000 5.96% MassMutual Financial 6,020,287 5.12% Jupiter Asset Management Limited 5,574,717 4.74% Rathbone Investment Management Limited 5,565,550 4.74% Legal and General Investment Management Limited 5,540,177 4.72% (UK) UBS Global Asset Management Limited 4,467,235 3.80% Rensburg Sheppards Investment Management Limited 4,046,560 3.44% Share buy-back On 20 December 2007 the Company, pursuant to its authority granted by the shareholders, purchased 500,000 shares for cancellation at an average price of 80 pence per share. In January 2008, the Company purchased a further 9,500,000 shares at an average price of 82 pence per share for cancellation. Management The Investment Manager provides investment advisory services to the Company and property advisory, property management and monitoring services to those members of the Group which acquire properties, in each case in accordance with the investment objective and investment policy and restrictions of the Group. Directors' responsibility statement Company law requires the directors to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the Group at the end of the year and of the profit or loss of the Company and the Group for that year. In preparing those Financial Statements, the directors are required to: (1) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; (2) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; (3) state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; (4) prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is appropriate to assume that the Company and Group will not continue in business. The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and of the Group and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 1994. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the Financial Statements. Corporate Governance A statement of Corporate Governance is included below. Going Concern After making enquiries, and bearing in mind the nature of the Company's business and assets, the Directors consider that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the accounts. Annual General Meeting The AGM will be held in Guernsey on 30 April 2008. Auditors BDO Novus Limited has expressed their willingness to continue in office as auditors and a resolution to reappoint them will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. By order of the Board, David Jeffreys Serena Tremlett Director Director Corporate governance Guernsey does not have its own corporate governance regime and, as a Guernsey registered company, the Company is not required to comply with the Combined Code on Corporate Governance, issued by the Financial Reporting Council. However it is the Company's policy to comply with best practice on good corporate governance including taking measures to ensure the Company complies with the Combined Code to the extent appropriate. The Board's arrangements in respect of corporate governance are explained in the paragraphs that follow: Role of the Board The Board has determined that its role is to consider and determine the following principal matters which it considers are of strategic importance to the Company: 1) Review the overall objectives for the Company and set the Company's strategy for fulfilling those objectives within an appropriate risk framework; 2) Consider any shifts in strategy that it considers may be appropriate in light of market conditions; 3) Review the capital structure of the Company including consideration of any appropriate use of gearing both for the Company and in any joint ventures in which the Company may invest from time to time; 4) Appoint the Investment Manager, Administrator and other appropriately skilled service providers and monitor their effectiveness through regular reports and meetings; 5) Review key elements of the Company's performance including Net Asset Value and payment of dividends. Board Decisions At board meetings, the Board ensures that all the strategic matters are considered and resolved by the Board. Certain issues associated with implementing the Company's strategy are delegated either to the Investment Manager or the Administrator. Such delegation is over minor incidental matters and the Board continually monitors the services provided by these independent agents. The Board considers there are implementation matters that are significant enough to be of strategic importance and should be reserved solely for the Board (e.g. all acquisitions, all disposals, significant capital expenditure, leasing and decisions affecting the Company's financial gearing). Board Meetings The Board meets at least quarterly and as required from time to time to consider specific issues reserved for decision by the Board including all potential acquisitions. At the Board's quarterly meetings it considers papers circulated in advance including reports provided by the Investment Manager and the Administrator. The Investment Manager's report comments on: • The French and Spanish property markets including recommendations for any changes in strategy that the Investment Manager considers may be appropriate; • Performance of the Group's portfolio and key asset management initiatives; • Transactional activity undertaken over the previous quarter and being contemplated for the future; • The Group's financial position including relationships with bankers and lenders. The Administrator provides the compliance report. These reports enable the Board to assess the success with which the Group's property strategy and other associated matters are being implemented and also consider any relevant risks and to consider how they should be properly managed. The Board also considers reports provided from time to time by its various service providers reviewing their internal controls. In between its regular quarterly meetings, the Board has also met on a number of occasions during the year to approve all transactions and for other matters. Committees of the Board The Board has operated an Audit Committee throughout the year under review and on 21 February 2007 constituted a Remuneration Committee and a Nomination Committee. The Audit Committee The Audit Committee is chaired by Dick Kingston and comprises David Jeffreys and Serena Tremlett. The Audit Committee meets not less than twice a year and if required meetings can also be attended by the Investment Manager, the Administrator and the Independent Auditors. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the half-year and annual Financial Statements before their submission to the Board. In addition, the Audit Committee is specifically charged under its terms of reference to advise the Board on the terms and scope of the appointment of the auditors (including remuneration), the independence and objectivity of the auditors, and reviewing with the auditors the results and effectiveness of the audit. Members of the Audit Committee may also, from time to time, meet with the Company's valuer to discuss the scope and conclusions of their work. The Remuneration Committee The Remuneration Committee, chaired by David Jeffreys, comprises the full Board and is required to consider the terms and remuneration of the Company's directors and employees. The Nomination Committee The Nomination Committee, chaired by Serena Tremlett, comprises the full Board and is convened for the purpose of considering the appointment of additional directors as and when considered appropriate. The table below shows the attendance at Board and other Committee meetings during the year to 31 December 2007: Director Board Audit Remuneration Nomination committee Committee Committee Dick Kingston 11 3 1 1 Christopher Bennett 14 - 1 1 David Jeffreys 17 3 1 1 Phillip Rose 13 - 1 1 Serena Tremlett 15 3 1 1 No. of meetings during the 19 3 1 1 year Investment management agreement The Company has entered into an agreement with the Investment Manager. This sets out the Investment Manager's key responsibilities which include proposing a property investment strategy to the Board, identifying property investments to recommend for acquisition and arranging appropriate lending facilities to facilitate the transaction. The Investment Manager is also responsible to the Board for all issues relating to property asset management. Shareholder relations Shareholder communications are a high priority of the Board. Members of the Investment Manager's Investment Committee make themselves available at all reasonable times to meet with key shareholders and sector analysts. Feedback from these sessions is provided by the Investment Manager at the quarterly Board meetings. In addition, the Board is also kept fully appraised of all market commentary on the Company by the Investment Manager and other professional advisors including its brokers. Through this process the Board seeks to monitor investor relations and to ensure that the Company's communication programme is effective. The Chairman and the Investment Manager will be available at the Annual General Meeting to answer any questions that shareholders attending may wish to raise. Independent auditors' report To the members of Alpha Pyrenees Trust Limited We have audited the Group and parent company financial statements ('the Financial Statements') of Alpha Pyrenees Trust Limited for the year ended 31 December 2007, which comprise the Consolidated and Company Income Statement, Consolidated and Company Balance Sheet, Consolidated and Company Cash Flow Statement, Consolidated and Company Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes 1 to 25. These Financial Statements have been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards in accordance with the accounting policies as set out below. This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Section 64 of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 1994. Our audit work is undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Respective responsibilities of the directors and auditors As described in the Directors' Responsibility Statement within the Directors' Report, the Company's directors are responsible for the preparation of the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS'). Our responsibility is to audit the Financial Statements in accordance with the relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We report to you our opinion as to whether the Financial Statements give a true and fair view and are properly prepared in accordance with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 1994. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the Directors' Report is not consistent with the Financial Statements, if the Company has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if the information specified by law is not disclosed. We read the other information included in the Annual Report and consider whether it is consistent with the audited Financial Statements. This other information comprises only the Trust Summary and Objective, Financial Highlights, Chairman's Statement, Property Review, Directors, Directors' Report and Corporate Governance. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the Financial Statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information. Basis of opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the Financial Statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the Directors in the preparation of the Financial Statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Company's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the Financial Statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the Financial Statements. Opinion In our opinion: • The Group Financial Statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRS, of the state of the Group's affairs at 31 December 2007 and of its profit for the year then ended. • The Parent Company Financial Statements give a true and fair view, in accordance with IFRS, of the state of the Company's affairs at 31 December 2007 and of its profit for the year then ended. • The Financial Statements have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 1994. BDO Novus Limited Chartered Accountants Elizabeth House, St Peter Port, Guernsey 17 March 2007 Consolidated income statement For the year ended 31 December For the period 16 November 2007 2005 to 31 December 2006 Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Income Revenue 3 16,109 - 16,109 2,816 - 2,816 Net change in gains/ 13 - 12,231 12,231 - (5,250) (5,250) (losses) on revaluation of investment properties Total income 16,109 12,231 28,340 2,816 (5,250) (2,434) Expenses Property operating (2,954) - (2,954) (501) - (501) expenses Administration costs 6 (3,137) (783) (3,920) (2,002) (269) (2,271) Total operating (6,091) (783) (6,874) (2,503) (269) (2,772) expenses Operating profit 10,018 11,448 21,466 313 (5,519) (5,206) Finance income 4 2,628 754 3,382 4,324 - 4,324 Finance costs 7 (4,929) (8,251) (13,180) (165) (1,668) (1,833) Net profit/ (loss) 7,717 3,951 11,668 4,472 (7,187) (2,715) before taxation Taxation 8 - (5,623) (5,623) - - - Profit (loss) for the 7,717 (1,672) 6,045 4,472 (7,187) (2,715) period year/period Attributable to Equity holders of 7,717 (1,672) 6,045 4,499 (6,607) (2,108) the parent Minority interest - - - (27) (580) (607) Earnings per share - basic & diluted 10 4.7p (1.7p) The total column of this statement represents the Group's income statement, prepared in accordance with IFRS. The revenue and capital columns are supplied as supplementary information permitted under IFRS. All items in the above statement derive from continuing operations. The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement. Consolidated balance sheet As at 31 December 2007 Notes 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Non-current assets Investment properties 13 270,946 176,509 Development properties 14 2,441 - Finance leases - 368 Financial assets at fair value through profit or 16 813 - loss Property, plant and equipment 17 21 274,217 176,898 Current assets Trade and other receivables 17 17,623 27,084 Cash and cash equivalents 34,430 18,575 52,053 45,659 Total assets 326,270 222,557 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 18 (8,061) (17,798) Bank borrowings 19 (1,073) (124) (9,134) (17,922) Total assets less current liabilities 317,136 204,511 Non-current liabilities Financial liabilities at fair value through profit 16 (9,919) (1,668) or loss Bank borrowings 19 (176,033) (81,808) Rent deposits (2,292) (1,285) Deferred taxation 8 (5,623) - (193,867) (84,761) Total liabilities (203,001) (102,683) Net assets 123,269 119,874 Equity Share capital 20 - - Share premium account 21 2,500 2,500 Special reserve 21 118,251 119,362 Warrant reserve 21 130 130 Translation reserve 21 7,941 (1,614) Capital reserve 21 (8,279) (6,607) Revenue reserve 21 2,726 1,311 Equity attributable to the equity holders of the 123,269 115,082 parent Minority interest - 4,792 Total equity 123,269 119,874 Net asset value per share 11 97.1p 90.3p Net asset value per share (adjusted) 11 100.1p 91.6p The Financial Statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 17 March 2008. The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement. David Jeffreys Serena Tremlett Director Director Consolidated cash flow statement Notes For the year ended For the period 31 December 2007 from 16 November 2005 to 31 December 2006 £'000 £'000 Operating activities Profit/(loss) for the year/period 6,045 (2,715) Adjustments for : Net change in gains/losses on revaluation of (12,231) 5,250 investment properties Deferred taxation 5,623 - Finance income (3,882) (4,324) Finance costs 13,180 1,833 Operating cash flows before movements in working 8,735 44 capital Movements in working capital: Increase in operating trade and other (7,799) (2,696) receivables Increase in operating trade and other payables 4,297 1,902 Cash generated from operations 5,233 (750) Interest received 1,628 4,324 Swap interest received 779 - Bank loan interest paid and costs (4,840) - Taxation - - Cash flows from operating activities 2,800 3,574 Investing activities Purchase of investment properties and capital (60,474) (185,711) expenditure Development of property (2,233) - Cash flows from Investing activities (62,707) (185,711) Financing activities Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital - 127,500 Issue costs - (5,408) Increase in borrowings 79,961 81,808 Dividends paid (7,013) (3,188) Cash flows from financing activities 72,948 200,712 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 13,041 18,575 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year/ 18,575 - period Exchange translation movement 2,814 - Cash and cash equivalents at end of year/period 34,430 18,575 The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange MORE TO FOLLOW FR FKOKNKBKBDND

Companies

Alpha Group International (ALPH)
UK 100
FTSE quotes by TradingView

Latest directors dealings

All directors dealings today